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White Pepper – Benefits, Side effects, Uses and more
Pepper, especially black pepper, is indeed a kitchen staple. The peppery flavour is enough to add zing to our food. Pepper is an essential spice that can enhance the taste of any cuisine. But did you know there is another kind of pepper? White pepper is the berry of the Piper nigrum plant. The main distinction between the two is in the processing.
White pepper offers an array of health benefits and culinary uses. Are you looking for spice with lesser flavour notes? Then, white pepper is a must-have. The benefits of white pepper are sure to intrigue you. So do not put off getting your hands on this miracle spice. White pepper will undoubtedly benefit you in a variety of ways. And we are here to give you all you need to know about it!
What is White Pepper?
White pepper comes from black pepper. Black pepper is known as the “King of Spices.” And this King of spices comes with another excellent culinary companion. That is white pepper. As the name rightfully suggests, white pepper comes in white and grey hues. They are similar in shape to black pepper.
White pepper is scientifically known as Piper Nigrum and comes from the Piperaceae family. White pepper brilliantly complements the flavour of any recipe. So, if you are a fan of black pepper, white pepper will be the perfect addition to your spice cabinet.
The process of obtaining white pepper
White pepper often undergoes chemical, mechanical, and biological processes.
White pepper comes entirely from a pepper plant seed. The primary step in processing is peeling the black skin. This process is called retting. The next step is steeping the perfectly ripe berries in water for a week. It will make the pepper’s flesh soften, and the cover disintegrates.
Rubbing then separates the outer pepper from the seed, leaving only the seeds to dry. And there you have it, white pepper!
How does white pepper taste?
Opinions vary on whether white pepper is hotter or milder than black pepper. Nevertheless, white pepper has a fiery taste on the palate. White pepper, according to some, has a less nuanced flavour than black pepper.
White pepper can have an earthy or a grassy flavour. It may depend on the processing employed and handling after manufacturing.
White Pepper Vs. Black Pepper : Difference between white pepper and black pepper
White and black peppers originate from the same plant. The difference between the two peppers is in their processing. The exterior (black) cover is still intact in the black pepper. White pepper, on the other hand, lacks this layer. It gives both their distinct identities.
But this is not all! These two peppers also vary in their tastes. For example, white pepper has a different taste and a higher heat element than black pepper.
1. Flavour
White pepper is different from black pepper as it lacks specific components found in the outer coat.
Unlike black pepper, white pepper has a hotter flavour. But white pepper has fewer flavour notes since the cover is absent. As a result, it makes white pepper less pungent. White pepper is renowned for its intense punch and is used to season marinades, soups, stir-fries, and chicken.
2. Shelf-life
When stored in an airtight container, black peppercorn can last a year. The ground form, on the other contrary, loses its natural taste after a few months.
The flavour of White pepper fades notably faster than black pepper. So it is since white pepper does not have its outer cover.
3. White pepper for lighter recipes
The difference between black pepper and white pepper is in appearance. If you are cooking a vibrant recipe, you may add black pepper. Black pepper complements the rich taste of the dish.
Recipes that call for earthy flavour work well with white pepper. This quality comes in handy while cooking. In addition, white pepper can help keep the dish’s appeal thanks to its subtle flavouring.
Health Benefits of White Pepper
1. Packed with antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that help the body combat free radicals. But, unfortunately, high levels of free radicals can damage your body. A variety of diseases stems from free radical damage. Some are heart diseases, diabetes and even obesity.
A study found that white pepper has higher antioxidants than black pepper. It means that white pepper has a higher capability to combat free- radicals.
2. Anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation can be beneficial or detrimental. Short-term inflammation is a normal response of our body to disease. On the other hand, chronic inflammation can harm your health. It may even put you at risk of some diseases.
White pepper contains piperine. As per studies, piperine has anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, it enables white pepper to reduce inflammation. In addition, white pepper may effectively treat muscular cramps caused by stretching muscles.
3. Prevents gas
White pepper helps to reduce flatulence (gas). Piperine is the component of pepper that is beneficial in reducing gas. In addition, it stimulates hydrochloric acid (Gastric acid) production in the stomach. This aids digestion and facilitates the smooth working of the intestines.
4. Better digestion
White pepper may help the digestive system by boosting gastric acid production. This acid is essential for digestion. Additionally, white pepper contains fibre. Fibre helps to increase muscle movement of the intestines. Therefore, it will facilitate better digestion.
5. Beneficial for anorexia patients
White pepper is known to improve digestion and enhance appetite. Hence, white pepper may help with anorexia by increasing hunger. Therefore, incorporating this pepper into your diet may help with anorexia symptoms.
6. May prevent cancer
You may prevent cancer by consuming white pepper. White pepper stops free radicals from forming inside the body. White pepper also contains capsaicin. As a result, it may prevent prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is a dangerous disease that affects many men worldwide. White pepper is beneficial to improve prostate health when consumed regularly.
Moreover, white pepper also helps in keeping the digestive system healthy. Hence, it may also prevent colon cancer.
7. Reduces blood pressure
White pepper is a good source of flavonoids, vitamin A, and vitamin C. These aid in lowering high blood pressure. Thus, white pepper may help manage blood pressure.
8. Heart-friendly
White pepper is anti-inflammatory and may lower blood pressure. It makes it heart-friendly.
Thanks to its benefits in lowering blood pressure, white pepper regulate blood flow. It may result in the prevention of heart attacks. Keeping blood pressure under control reduces the odds of having a stroke. The elderly may benefit by including white pepper in their diet.
9. Prevents headaches
White pepper contains a compound called capsaicin. This substance benefits in reducing headaches.
Capsaicin works by dilating (relaxing) the blood vessels. It is due to the effect on neurons. Capsaicin helps in better blood flow. It is how white pepper may treat/ prevent headaches.
10. Helps manage arthritis
White pepper is a well-known superfood for relieving joint and spinal pain. The benefit comes from the presence of piperine. As per studies, piperine has antinociceptive and antiarthritic effects. Thus, it may ease the agony of arthritis and gout attacks. Capsaicin found in pepper may also play a role in this.
White pepper may prove to be especially beneficial for the elderly. White pepper also promotes overall muscular development. In addition, it will enhance mobility and aids in the avoidance of muscular cramps.
11. Helps with colds and respiratory diseases
White pepper may treat respiratory diseases that build mucus. In addition, white pepper may reduce lung congestion. This benefit comes in handy during the winter seasons. White pepper decongest and clears the nasal passages. Meaning, it can help prevent/cure cough and cold.
12. Anti-microbial
An anti-microbial is a substance that kills or prevents the growth of bacteria. A study has found that white pepper has excellent anti-microbial properties. In addition, it shows that white pepper may also work as an insecticide.
13. Improves brain functions
White pepper may benefit in the improvement of cognitive brain functions. Moreover, it may also help in the prevention of brain cell degeneration. However, further studies are needed to determine the effect of white pepper on the human brain.
14. Increases energy
White pepper promotes energy synthesis in mitochondria. It is a cell component that is responsible for energy production. White pepper is also a source of manganese. This mineral is essential for many enzymes in mitochondria for energy production.
